[GB]

@Steve O 86572 wrote:

That original post received about 10 likes and Elites. Shall we convene a committee to work through the details of actually making it happen?

Like this post if you are willing to help in some way or another and I’ll be in touch.

Does this need a committee? It sounds like the only thing missing is a start date. Does July 7th work for everyone? I’ll help by walking my bike.

[GB]

@kcb203 86543 wrote:

Me: Riding east on Pennsylania Avenue approaching 17th, in the lane second from the left preparing to go straight across and past the bollards in front of the White House.
You: A the passenger in a black SUV (probably with Maryland plates) in the second lane from the right, changing lanes directly into me without warning or signal, planning to turn left.
Me: “Watch it,” shouted loudly to get the driver’s attention and prevent him from driving into me.
You: “Oh, why don’t you just shut the f*#@ up.”

Not that it should make a difference or that the drivers reaction was appropriate, but I say “Hello” loudly to get people’s attention if I’m not sure they’ve seen me. So far I haven’t been met with any F bombs.

[GB]

@dkel 86150 wrote:

My friend …will not make the W&OD crossings at Hunter Mill or Cedar because of the stuff he’s seen there: cars spinning out into each other, etc. .. He’s decided not to ride his commute from Reston into the District anymore…

#excuses

We all have them (I’m fond of “too cold & wet”) but this seems kinda weak. Show him the rules (& how to cross traffic safely) and commence chastising.

[GB]

Phatboing – free spd M520s – yes please! What’s a good time and place to meet – one of the these coffee clubs or third Thursdays?

Hozn – Discounted specialized water bottle cages – yes please! – Let me know how much.

Rolo – Thanks for the PM about the shoes – yes please! (at least to try on)

Guy – yes you did give me a set of egg beaters, but I gave them back with the shoes. (although I still have the cleats)

Thanks everyone for the advice.

[GB]

When back in my day was the same day as back your day – I blissfully rode my schwinn on the sidewalk to; school, friends homes, the pool and the park. The sidewalks were well paved so I didn’t have to worry about the cycling infrastructure, and where it wasn’t I had a great opportunity to refine my off-road skills (pretty sure my Schwinn was one of those versatile cross bikes I hear so much about). Ah to be 7 again.

A quick look at google maps reveals a 0.5 km radius I was free to wander. At the time I thought I ran the town.

[GB]

Can you give us some more detailed information on where you are riding from and to, the route that you’re currently thinking of and the time you’d be riding? I’d guess that there are people on here that generally ride a portion of your route, and with enough information and maybe a bit of off thread planning someone will have route information or may available as a ride buddy.

[GB]

I had the unfortunate experience of witnessing a very good argument for Road ID (and properly fitting helmets) on this evening’s FreshBikes ride (lots of fun, you should do it, don’t let this dissuade you).

Two guys clipped wheels while cornering and both HARD. Both seemed to be knocked out at first, one came back quickly the other much more slowly (his helmet did not seem to be covering his head at the point of impact – w/out blaming the victim too much I think that was b/c it was set too loose #hindsight). Someone called 911 and I helped direct bike traffic around the accident. I don’t think anyone checked for Road ID (at least not right away), but thinking back on it we should have, and I bet the medics did. His contact person probably would have been notified w/in 15 minutes of the crash and been able to get to the hospital ASAP.

I’d always thought of Road ID for use after a fatal crash and didn’t really see the point in spending money to rush that news to my wife. But having her w/ me at the hospital seems like it is certainly worth the $20. So thoughts on which one to get? How well do the silicon one’s last? How well does the cloth sport one last? Is there a better/cheaper alternative?

Thanks

[GB]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Specialized-Defroster-Winter-Cycling-Shoes-Sz-44-/171321148188?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&hash=item27e389431c

If I were a size smaller I’d get these.

I’m on the look out for a pair of Specialized Defrosters in 45, I’d greatly appreciate a heads if someone comes across a pair. (Have these been reviewed in the forum?)

[GB]

@G_bikeDC 83903 wrote:

On a weekday morning I was headed south on 11th Street NW, in the bike lane, toward downtown. Right around 11th and M a beige car was parked in the bike lane. Engine off, no hazard lights. Normally I would just go around and keep my exasperation to myself, but since there was so much traffic that day I was essentially trapped behind this car. Cars whizzing by my left and parked cars on the right. Since I was just stuck sitting there I tapped on the car’s trunk to let the driver know they were blocking the lane. About one nanosecond after that, a police light went on in the rear window (ugh) and a large, angry man stormed out of the car and started berating me mercilessly for a minute before informing me that, yes, he was a police officer doing some sort of undercover task. I was called every name in the book, heard every four-letter word you can imagine, and was told I might be thrown in jail for damaging government property. I of course apologized profusely with no argument. (I don’t mess with the law) After another minute of taking my verbal beatdown, I sheepishly pedaled on to work, a little shaken up and quite embarrassed actually. I mean, the whole block was watching and I’m sure the guy blew his cover in the process.

Later, when I was able to calm down, I thought about what had happened and about a few things: What should I have done there? / How was I supposed to know who was in that car? / The officer handled that in the most inflammatory way possible / Are they allowed to park in the bike lanes? / I’m damaging government property?

This sounds unfortunately similar to my most recent interaction with law enforcement; http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?688-Missed-connection&p=78205#post78205 – different car same inflammatory handling of the situation.

1) You didn’t blow his cover he did. Unless he’s the worst cop ever my guess his is undercover mission was scouting the local talent.
2) I’ve tap cars parked in the bike lane (even if I can go around), so I don’t think that’s unreasonable. You don’t have to know who’s in the car, but make sure you don’t actually damage it.
3) Next time ask for his card asap. In these types of interactions the cop has almost 100% of the power (physical and legal). Getting the card gives you some power back (because you’ll be able to file a complaint and he knows it) which should help to check his rampant abuse.

[GB]

I’m selling 2 pairs of MTB shoes that are a little too small for me:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/spo/4412454703.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/spo/4412454414.html

price is negotiable

Where’s a good shop to go to try out MTB shoes? Ideally somewhere with a medium/large selection and reasonable prices. And yes, I know about the internet; already tried it twice w/out much luck (see items for sale above). Thanks

[GB]

QUOTE=rcannon100;81370]
One of the data points she had was the distance of freedom children experience from home, over time. And I cant pull it up but its basically, in our parents time the freedom they experienced was their town. When we grew up maybe the distance we could go was a mile or so. Now, the distance parents allow their children to go is (a) on the block or (b) the front yard.

just for the fun of arguing:

crime is down
crime reporting is up
people are more afraid of crime
people take action based perceived higher crime risk
opportunity for crime decreases based on action taken

So although it isn’t as fun, maybe keeping kids close has some benefits – I concede it has some costs as well.

[GB]

@dkel 81384 wrote:

Anyone else? GB? rpiretti? hozn? I know Rolo is out of town… I’ll check in here again before I turn in tonight, but I don’t want to be the only one there, because then I’ll be sleepy *and* lonely.

Sorry I’m out. Wife’s B-Day and I swapped out dinner for breakfast so as to attend the BAFS HH.

Next week I’m in though, and you should go tomorrow, I’m sure you wont be the only one there.

[GB]

@brendan 81351 wrote:

Esp since the western sister has a bit of a blind downhill start for riders heading east! Aka a bit of a blind uphill finish for those heading west.

Does anyone else call/ring bell when going around a blind turn? I do ~30% of the time, I can’t say it has caused me to avoid a collision yet, but I imagine it will one day.

[GB]

@DismalScientist 81326 wrote:

Shamed by my spouse, questioned by the neighbors, and ignored by my kids.

I can’t help with the wife and neighbors, but your kids will most likely be just like you, and therefore will most likely ride a bike when others wouldn’t. Let them ignore you for now, evolution/genes/upbringing will turn them around eventually.

[GB]

That’s an impressive list of prizes. One question –

@kgo 80738 wrote:

–Vasectomy Procedure from award-winning, DC-based surgeon, Dr. Paul Shin. Transferable. ($1200 value)

Does it make riding more comfortable?

[Author]

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